Common Questions from International Students in Korea

While studying in Korea, many foreign students have common concerns and inquiries about their status and what steps to take next. The following is a summary of frequently asked questions based on information compiled by the immigration office.

Q1: Can I return to my home country while on a leave of absence?

If you take a leave of absence or face any significant changes in your academic status, your university is required to notify the immigration authorities. Once notified, the immigration office may consider you to be no longer enrolled and proceed with your departure clearance. If you’ve already left, regardless of your remaining stay period, your study visa will be canceled. This means that if you wish to come back to Korea, you will need to apply for a new visa upon re-entry.

Q2: I graduated in February, but my visa is valid until the end of March. Can I travel abroad and return before my visa expires?

When a foreign student graduates, the immigration authorities become aware of this through notification from the university, which triggers a review of the student’s residency status. If you’ve already departed, your study visa will officially be terminated, regardless of the remaining stay duration. Therefore, if you’re planning to pursue further studies or prepare for employment in Korea after graduation, it’s advisable to seek permission for an extension or change of status before leaving the country.

Q3: I applied for a service request but left the country. Can I expect processing while I’m away, or when I return?

If the applicant is confirmed to have left the country during their request, the application may be suspended or potentially denied by the reviewing officer. This is because an unresolved application cannot remain in limbo for an extended period without knowing the applicant’s re-entry status. If further information is required during the review, the applicant might not be available to provide it promptly. Thus, it’s wise to plan your departure around your application status and, if unavoidable, reapply once you return.

Q4: After graduation, I plan to spend some time back home, and my visa will expire. Is there a way to come back to Korea to work?

If you intend to seek employment in Korea after graduation or have secured a job offer, it’s best to apply for a change of status before leaving the country. If you’re short on time, you can obtain a job-seeking (D-10) visa after leaving. When applying for your first job-seeking visa within a year of graduation, you may benefit from certain exemptions, such as not being subject to the points system.

Q5: I have already stayed for the maximum duration of 6 years for my undergraduate degree. I still have my thesis defense left. Is there any option to extend my stay?

International students have set maximum stay limits for their degree programs, meaning extensions beyond these limits are not possible. If you had a term of absence (leaving school for a total of over one year in two semesters) but returned within three years, that time may not be counted towards the total stay limit. Please refer to the stay limit chart to properly manage your academic timeline.

Q6: I want to transfer to another school in Korea. I’ve already been accepted elsewhere. Can I apply to change schools?

Changing schools within Korea is generally restricted. You must reapply for a visa after leaving the country. However, if there are valid reasons for changing schools during your studies, you can apply for a transfer. In that case, the total study duration at the previous school and the intended school must not exceed the maximum allowed time for that degree program. If you were officially withdrawn from your previous school, you might face restrictions on transferring.

Q7: I’m currently a language student but plan to enroll in university. What are the requirements for applying for a gap visa?

If there’s no gap of more than three months between your study end date and the start of your next semester, you may apply for a gap visa. You must meet all three conditions: be enrolled in a language program, have sufficient attendance rates to qualify for visa extension, and enroll in a degree program at or above the associate level at the same or another university after completing the language course. You should also demonstrate proficiency in Korean, typically with a TOPIK score of level 3 or above.

Q8: I applied for foreign registration, but I’ve moved to my friend’s place, and my address has changed. What should I do?

If your address changes, you must report the change within 15 days from the date of the move. If the rental is not under your name but is provided by a friend, you will need to submit (1) the rental agreement, (2) proof of accommodation, and (3) a copy of your friend’s ID when reporting the address change. If your foreign registration is still in process, you may only report this through in-person visits to the immigration office, so please take your registration receipt for reference.

Q9: My school is in Seoul, but I live in Incheon. Where do I go to extend my stay?

If your school and residence fall under different regional jurisdictions, the relevant office is determined based on the accreditation of your school. For example, if your school is an accredited university, you can apply for services at either location. However, if it’s a non-accredited school, you’ll need to visit the jurisdiction corresponding to the university for any change of residency or status.

Q10: I want to take a part-time job, but my employer wants me to start immediately. Can I begin working?

Typically, international students are not eligible for employment unless their visa permits it. However, if you obtain prior confirmation from your university and the appropriate permissions from the immigration office, limited part-time work akin to student jobs is generally allowed. Thus, if you wish to work part-time, make sure to apply for a “part-time work permit” from the immigration office before starting your job.

For more information on international student visas and related inquiries, feel free to check out our Visa Manual for International Students, or apply for online consultation.